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Before joining the Women Go Tech x DareIT Acceleration Program, Kanyinsola had the drive – but not the roadmap – to transition from analytics into data engineering.
Through mentorship with Vitalija, she gained not only technical guidance but also the confidence to expand her skills and redefine her growth path.

Their story is about more than skill-building. It’s about mindset. It’s about human connection. It’s about showing up and growing – together.

Want to grow like this? You can. Read their interview below.

1. What was your biggest challenge before joining the Acceleration Program, and how did the program help you overcome it? 

Kanyinsola: Before joining the Acceleration Program, my biggest challenge was figuring out how to deepen my knowledge in data engineering and use it to scale the data products I build in my current role as a data analyst. I had the curiosity and drive, but I struggled with creating a clear roadmap. 

The program provided a structured framework for data engineering and invaluable mentorship from Vitalija, whose experience helped me channel my energy more effectively. Through her guidance, I learned how to think about optimizing data models and pipelines from an engineering perspective, not just an analytical one. As a result, I’m now taking actionable steps toward expanding my technical toolkit and exploring platforms like Databricks to bridge the gap between analytics and data engineering. 

Vitalija: Mentoring often feels like a solitary experience, just you and your mentee navigating challenges without a broader support system. This program changed that experience completely. It introduced a dynamic, cross-track community where mentors and mentees could connect, share insights, and lift each other up. Suddenly, I wasn’t alone – I was part of something bigger. It made mentorship feel collaborative and far more impactful. 

2. Can you share a specific moment where you felt the power of the mentor-mentee relationship?

Kanyinsola: One of the most meaningful moments in my mentor-mentee journey was when my mentor, Vitalija, and I reflected on our experiences working in diverse and multicultural environments. We discovered that we both share similar stories of working with people from different backgrounds. 
What made that connection with my mentor so powerful was realizing that diversity is an advantage. It’s something that strengthens how I approach my work as a data analyst, where understanding multiple perspectives often leads to inclusive, and impactful solutions. 

Vitalija: When we first started working together, I noticed that like many of us, we were showing up as our “professional selves” – focused, goal-oriented, and a bit guarded. But there was a moment when my mentee began to open up about who she really is as a person and I learned about her motivations, values, and her authentic story. That shift changed everything. It wasn’t just about Data Engineering and work anymore – mentorship became a more honest, human connection. From that point on, our conversations had more depth, clarity, and trust – and I believe that’s when real growth started happening, for both of us. 

3. What skill or mindset shift are you most proud of developing during the program?  

Kanyinsola: The biggest mindset shift I’m proud of developing during the program is realizing that transitioning into data engineering is not only valid, but fully within my reach. 

That mindset shift has changed how I approach learning and career growth. I now see every challenge as an opportunity to expand my technical depth, and that belief continues to drive me as I explore data engineering more intentionally. 

Vitalija: One of the most valuable lessons I learned was the power of active listening. Slowing down, truly tuning in, and creating space for the mentee to reflect and find their own path made a real difference. Shifting away from the instinct to ‘solve’ or advise too quickly and instead being present and patient helped build deeper trust and confidence in our relationship. It allowed Kanyinsola to arrive at decisions that felt right for her, and that could genuinely benefit her in the long run.

4. How did the program influence your personal or professional growth?  

Kanyinsola: The program has been instrumental in both my personal and professional growth. One of the most impactful moments was being guided by my mentor to clearly define my core values and create a personal development plan that aligns with them. That process helped me become more intentional about how I approach my career and the kind of professional I want to be. 

On a practical level, I’ve taken concrete steps to build on that clarity. I’m currently preparing for the Microsoft PL-300 certification to deepen my analytics expertise, while also exploring Databricks to lay a strong foundation for my journey into data engineering. 

Overall, the program helped me move from simply having goals to building a structured roadmap for achieving them. 

Vitalija: One of the biggest takeaways for me was being reminded that every mentee is truly unique- they each bring their own story, pace, and personality to the journey. Having Kanyinsola as a mentee was a real gift. Her authenticity, openness, and ability to smile even in the toughest moments was not only inspiring but also grounding. 

That relationship reminded me that growth sometimes is quiet resilience and showing up with heart. It gave me a renewed sense of hope and purpose, both personally and professionally.

5. Looking back, is there anything you would approach differently in the program? 

Kanyinsola: Honestly, I wouldn’t approach anything differently. Looking back, I’m simply grateful for how much clarity and direction the experience gave me both as a data analyst and as someone transitioning into data engineering. 

Vitalija: I am happy with how we approached the process. 

6. What was the most surprising or unexpected lesson you took away from the program?  

Kanyinsola: The most unexpected lesson I took away from the program was how much my time management skills improved. With the variety of sessions, assignments, and events happening throughout the program, all alongside my regular work responsibilities, I had to become more intentional about how I plan my days and prioritize tasks. 

Vitalija: For me, the most unexpected lesson was seeing how powerful it is when someone doesn’t just talk about growth, but also do the work. Kanyinsola wasn’t just sharing her goals or reflecting on ideas during our sessions – she was actively working on her goals in between sessions, taking consistent steps, and following through on the things we discussed. 

Watching her take her career seriously, stay committed, and move with intention was a reminder that progress comes from small and deliberate actions taken every day. It inspired me to reflect on my own consistency and what it means to truly show up. 

7. How has your perspective changed since completing the program? 

Kanyinsola: Since completing the program, I’ve noticed a real shift in how I articulate my thoughts and ideas. My mentor often emphasized the importance of having a clear thought process.  
This has had a big impact on how I communicate at work and collaborate across teams.

Vitalija: One key perspective shift for me was realizing just how much clarity and confidence can grow when someone is given the space and being seen in their authentic self and given the space to think deeply and express themselves clearly. 

Working with Kanyinsola showed me the impact of focusing not just on what is being said, but how it’s being said. I saw her communication evolve throughout the program, and it reminded me that as mentors, our role is just as much about creating room for reflection as it is about providing guidance. 

It reinforced my belief that mentoring is a two-way street – we grow through the process just as much as our mentees do. 

8. In one word, how would you describe your experience, and why? 

Kanyinsola: Catalytic. Having an amazing mentor made all the difference.

Vitalija: Uplifting. Seeing Kanyinsola grow, push through challenges, and step more fully into her voice was genuinely inspiring. Her energy, dedication, and openness made the experience not only rewarding, but also a reminder of why mentorship matters. It lifted my own perspective, both personally and professionally.